A girl who can speak to gods must save her people without destroying herself.

A prince in danger must decide who to trust.

A boy with a monstrous secret waits in the wings.

Together, they must assassinate the king and stop the war.

In a centuries-long war where beauty and brutality meet, their three paths entwine in a shadowy world of spilled blood and mysterious saints, where a forbidden romance threatens to tip the scales between dark and light. Wicked Saints is the thrilling start to Emily A. Duncan’s devastatingly Gothic Something Dark and Holy trilogy.

I’d seen rave reviews for this book throughout the blogosphere, and that, along with a gorgeous cover and riveting description, had me requesting this book from NetGalley.

Did this book live up to the hype? Well…mostly. This is a captivating dark fantasy that weaves the elements of religion, magic, and politics into a thought-provoking storyline. Many reviews stated the beginning is a slower pace – something I agree with – but the brisk pace and shocking reveals at the end make up for it. Yes, the pace takes off – but I’d guessed the shocking reveals early in the book, so maybe it’s my fault I was a tad underwhelmed.

The three primary characters exist in the fluctuating areas of gray between good and bad – and that’s my favorite type of character. Each are wonderfully flawed, possess traits to love and hate, and are ruthless, driven, and distrustful at certain points. They all believe they’re doing the right thing. Supporting characters are loyal, well-developed, and occasionally humorous. Stellar characterization.

Wicked Saints is a brutal, bloody, dark fantasy set in a world rich in history and lore. It’s very well-written, and if you’re not into YA, give this book a try, because it’s easily a crossover.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I’ve seen this one around – rave reviews as well as negative ones. those who enjoyed it couldn’t recommend it more, those who didn’t, well, they say it’s too gory. I don’t mind gory, dark fantasy and all that, but put in politics and religion and i’ll think twice.

I’m not one to read much in those areas either, Jina, but it was handled really well within the world – not preachy at all. And you’re right about the reviews – not many people in the middle, more of a love or hate.